Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced upgraded charges against Kayla Wilson in the death of Elder teacher Mark Klusman. Wilson is now charged with 1 count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Felony 1 for driving while impaired and with a suspended license), 1 count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Felony 2 for driving recklessly and with a suspended license), 1 count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Felony 3) and 1 count of Tampering with Evidence (Felony 3). Her original charges of 1 count of Aggravated Vehicular Assault (Felony 2), 1 count of Vehicular Assault (Felony 3) and 1 count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Felony 4) will be dismissed in light of the new charges. If convicted of all the charges, she faces the possibility of 17 years in prison.

On December 9th, Wilson was driving her 2000 Buick Regal at a speed of over 50 miles per hour on Warsaw Avenue. The posted speed limit in the area is 35 miles per hour.Wilson lost control of her vehicle going through a sharp bend in the area where the signage indicates 25 miles per hour.She struck Mr. Klusman who was standing by the side of the road volunteering in the area to pick up litter.

Wilson fled the scene and eventually abandoned her disabled vehicle in the downtown Cincinnati area.Cincinnati Police determined that she was the registered owner of the vehicle and arrested her on December 12th.

Mr. Klusman died on December 26th as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.

Prosecutor Deters commented, “Our community lost a beloved teacher, friend, and mentor in a senseless tragedy.Our prison system will gain another inmate.”